April 23, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
An undercover investigation by the Smithville Police Department into allegations of illegal sales of vape products to minors has resulted in citations against clerks at King Vape and Jewel’s Market.
Hassan Ellahi and Ranjanben Dabhi were cited on April 2 for sale of a vape product to a minor.
“After receiving complaints of minors purchasing vape products at locations in Smithville, an investigation was conducted April 2 by detectives of the Smithville Police Department using a 16-year-old female confidential source,” said Chief Mark Collins.
“The confidential source attempted to purchase vape products at seven establishments in Smithville but was unable to at five of the businesses. However, two of the stores did sell to her”.
“The undercover teen entered King Vape on April 2 at approximately 10:48 a.m. and bought a vape product from the clerk who was later identified as Hassan Ellahi,” explained Chief Collins.
“Our source later entered Jewel’s Market on April 2 at 11:50 a.m. and purchased a vape product from the clerk identified as Ranjanben Dabhi”.
Ellahi appeared in General Sessions Court Thursday, April 18 where the citation was dismissed pending his complying with probation conditions for six months and payment of court costs. The case against Dabhi was continued until May 9th.